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Graduate Studies in Applied Mathematics: Application Information

Application Requirements

The minimum requirement for graduate admission to UCM is a bachelor's degree with an undergraduate grade point average no lower than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. This minimum will be waived only under circumstances where the applicant has demonstrated strong academic skills subsequent to their undergraduate studies. Performance on the GRE, accomplishments in undergraduate research, and letters of recommendation are also important determinants of an applicant's potential for success in graduate education and will be evaluated by the admissions committee. Foreign students from non-English speaking countries are required to attain a minimum score of 580 on the TOEFL exam (paper version) or 230 (computer-based version), as well as a score of at least 45 on the TSE. Each academically qualified student will also have a telephone or in-person interview with one or more applied mathematics faculty members. Finally, the match of the candidate's skills and interests to applied mathematics research programs will be considered. For this reason applicants are encouraged to contact applied mathematics faculty before applying.

We are now accepting applications for the Fall 2008 semester; applications will be accepted until January 15, 2008. To apply, visit the UC Merced Graduate Division website (go to 'Apply On-line'). A complete application includes the following.

  • Completed application form

  • Application fee

  • All official university/college/junior-college transcripts

  • Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score report (only general test required; scores up to five-years old accepted)

  • Applicants are encouraged to submit a GRE official score report for either the Math Subject Test or Physics Subject Test if one or more of the following applies:
    • Applicant does not have an undergraduate degree in pure or applied mathematics
    • Applicant does not meet the minimum GPA requirement
    • Applicant is concerned about the strength of his/her application in terms of the other required materials

  • Three letters of recommendation from instructors or supervisors who can comment on the applicant's scholarly ability and promise as a researcher

  • Official score reports from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Test of Spoken English (TSE) if the applicant's native language of instruction is other than English